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The BGTW has just organised a key conference in London to assess the ongoing effects of the Boxing Day Tsunami on populations and tourist economies and look at practical ways in which travel writers may help the recovery.
Key speakers included:
- Rok Klancnik, Communications Director of the World Tourism Organisation
- Keith Betton, Communications Director of the Association of British Travel Agents, talking on behalf of the tour operators
- Jon Davies, Head of the temporary tsunami unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Ryan Ver Berkmoes, from Lonely Planet, California, who heads up their web coverage of the tsunami and recovery
- Guyonne James, in charge of studying the implications of the tsunami for Tourism Concern
- Jean-Marc Flambert, Director, UK & Ireland, Sri Lanka Tourism.
Hosted by ABTA and sponsored by One&Only Resorts, the meeting attracted a large attendance of Guild members and representatives of countries and businesses affected by the disaster.
In a meeting packed with information and ideas, one clear consensus was that accurate and informed reporting is essential because of the range of effects of the tsunami. While some areas had suffered enormous devastation which would take many years to repair, other areas, even within the same country, had been largely spared. Unfortunately, many areas which had escaped damage were now suffering economically because potential travellers assumed that they were "no-go" areas.
Many areas, including those undamaged, reported massive visitor drops compared to last year. It was stressed that many people in these countries will face economic and personal hardship if business does not return soon. However it was also recognised that in the worst hit areas, the depth of loss, damage and shock is too great to allow for 'normal' tourism. The answer is to recognise that over such a vast area, there will be differences. Banda Aceh may be devastated, but still within Indonesia, the holiday island of Bali is over 3000kms away and was completely untouched by the disaster.
The clear message from the meeting was that tourists should continue to visit the Indian Ocean, but do their homework before booking. Many Guild members are, or will be, reporting from relevant areas to ensure that accurate and impartial information is available to intending travellers.
The Guild, and individual members, have already raised substantial sums for tsunami relief projects and are in regular contact with affected areas to take advice on the best ways to help. Apparently small scale projects are just as crucial as the major rebuilding. As one example, the replacement of many bicycles lost in the disaster can make a huge difference to the individuals concerned.
UK travellers who are visiting such areas have been expressing a desire to help local people, and often arrive carrying gifts, in particular for local children. Regional experts said that it was much more useful to spend money in local shops rather than arrive with gifts bought in home countries - not only does it restimulate the local economy, but your money goes far further and you are buying goods which the beneficiaries can later replace locally.
In summing up, Guild Chairman, Melissa Shales, said "In listening to the extraordinary range of expert opinion, both from the travel industry and the affected destinations, a real message of hope comes through. As long as we continue to write and travel sensitively and responsibly and are not afraid to tackle sometimes difficult topics openly and honestly, the travel trade, tourists and travel writers can all play a crucial role in reviving the fortunes of the Indian Ocean."
ENDS
For further information contact:
Melissa Shales
Guild Chairman
020 8749 1128
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or
Alan Wright
Guild PR
07989 388167.
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